At Maryvale, we are proponents of a trauma-informed mental health approach and believe in the power of going beyond addressing symptoms to foster genuine empathy and understanding. We work with some of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable populations, and we see firsthand the effect trauma has on people’s lives – especially for children. When a person is the victim of a violent attack, sexual assault, a traumatic accident, or the witness of a sudden, shocking event, it can be difficult to imagine them...

Topics: trauma informed care

Eating healthy food and enjoying a nourished, energetic body may seem like simple facts of life. Unfortunately, for many young people, having a straightforward relationship with food is difficult. Our culture puts outsized pressure on physical appearances, and unrealistic beauty standards abound. As a result, adolescents often find themselves navigating the delicate balance between self-acceptance and norms that are completely detached from reality. Unfortunately, many teens resort to eating...

Topics: eating disorder

As young people grow up, their mental wellness is constantly evolving and responding to the world around them. The challenges young people face are intricate and unique, shaped by a complex variety of societal, technological, and personal factors. For educators and caregivers, it’s important to note that mental health disorders can manifest at any stage of life, including childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. In honor of Children’s Mental Health Week, we’re interested in deepening our...

Topics: Children's Mental Health Awarness

Every year, National Birth Defects Prevention Month reminds us to stay aware of birth defects – parents deserve to be empowered with information to promote healthy pregnancies. As we join in efforts this month to facilitate prevention and education, it’s crucial for parents to be well-informed about the factors that contribute to congenital disabilities and the steps they can take to increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy. 

Topics: Birth Defects

Did you know that up to 27 million people are victims of human trafficking throughout the world? As we observe Human Trafficking Prevention Month, it’s crucial to shed light on this pervasive and devastating crime that affects millions of young lives. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights, and understanding its dynamics is the first step toward prevention. 

Topics: Human Trafficking

January is Mental Wellness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, reducing stigma, and promoting overall well-being. For families, this presents a unique opportunity to come together and prioritize well-being and healing. For families, this can be a powerful time to focus on open communication, connection, and creating a supportive environment for mental health at home and in relationships. Here are ten ways families can observe this special month.

Topics: mental wellness month

As the new year approaches, we have a unique opportunity to enjoy a sense of renewal and growth. It feels like standard practice for adults to set intentions or resolutions; goal setting is equally valuable for young children and teenagers. There are all kinds of benefits of instilling the habit of goal setting in the hearts and minds of the younger generation, fostering personal development, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment. For starters, goal-setting provides young people with a...

The clock is days away from ticking down to the final moments of the year! As the anticipation of New Year’s Eve builds, we look forward to a shared atmosphere of celebration and reflection. For families with children, how will you make the transition to the new year memorable and safe for children? We’ve prepared some creative and child-friendly ideas to help you enjoy a joyous, child-safe New Year’s Eve celebration that the whole family can cherish.

Topics: Child Safety

As the holiday season approaches, the air is filled with excitement, warmth, and the promise of joy. Against this cheerful background, it is crucial to prioritize child safety, especially considering that December is also Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. Whenever you give gifts to young children this holiday season, keep in mind that the gift of safety is just as important as the joy a present brings.

Topics: Child Safety

Being a teen is complicated. Adolescence is a time when self-identity and self-esteem are in constant flux, and the intertwining issues of bullying and body shaming have emerged as critical concerns. The teenage years are marked by vulnerability and a quest for acceptance and can be marred by the harmful effects of these interconnected problems. At the root of this is a profound link between bullying and body shaming, which has a severe impact on teens.

Topics: Bullying, Body Shaming